Olympic Solidarity

Olympic Solidarity provides support to athletes, athletes’ entourage members and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) through several targeted and funded programmes. Its mission is to meet your individual needs, wherever you’re from and whatever the stage of your career.

Olympic Solidarity is the IOC’s development department dedicated to ensuring the universality of the Olympic Games by providing funding and technical, financial and administrative support to athletes, athletes’ entourage members (e.g. coaches), sports administrators and NOCs most in need of assistance.

Olympic Solidarity has two main aims: helping NOCs fulfil their Olympic mission, and helping you achieve your Olympic dreams. It works closely with NOCs, International Federations and Continental Associations to develop their administrative structures, promote the Olympic values throughout their organisations and ensure the successful running of various development programmes.

It achieves these aims through a multi-faceted series of programmes, courses, scholarships and grants. These support structures could help you and your entourage on your sporting journey – no matter where you are in the world, what sport you compete in, and what stage of your career you’re at.

Olympic Solidarity also assists athletes beyond the field of play through programmes dedicated to supporting their career transition and Athletes’ Commission. The details of these programmes are as follows:

ATHLETE CAREER TRANSITION

What are the programme’s objectives?

To equip athletes and Olympians with the skills, knowledge and opportunities to pursue a successful post-sporting career.

ATHLETE365 CAREER+ WORKSHOPS

What is this programme about?

This programme offers online or on-site group workshops hosted by Athletes’ Commissions and NOCs, aimed at encouraging athletes to start thinking about their journey after sport, explore their potential, and learn about, prepare for and find their way to career success.
Workshop topics include self-discovery and CV/résumé writing.

Learn more: ATHLETE365 CAREER+ workshops

Who is this programme for?

All athletes and Olympians over 16 years old.

Who can apply?

Athlete365 Career+ workshops are open to all NOCs with active Athletes’ Commissions and especially those with no national athlete career programme.

How can you apply?

Athletes’ Commissions/organisations should identify potential dates for the workshop and fill in the Workshop Request Form.
NOCs in need of financial support should, in addition, apply on OS RELAY (entourage programmes) for the Athlete Career Transition Athlete365 Career+ workshops.

BUSINESS ACCELERATOR

What is this programme about?

The Athlete365 Business Accelerator programme is designed to assist Olympians in developing their business ideas and supporting their post-sport careers and entrepreneurial efforts. Learn more: Business Accelerator

What activities are covered?

The Athlete365 Business Accelerator programme comprises three phases (1. virtual sessions, 2. online learning and 3. in-person mentoring), with Olympic Solidarity providing financial assistance for phase 3 only, which is exclusively for Olympians.
In-person mentoring helps Olympians build a second career off the field of play, including the launch of their own businesses.

What is the application procedure?

Participants in the Business Accelerator course who have completed phases 1 and 2 must apply for phase 3.
The IOC Athletes’ Department informs the potential Olympian beneficiaries if they have been selected and provides them with a template to request endorsement from their NOC.
If the NOC agrees, the NOC must then apply on the OS RELAY platform on behalf of their athlete (one candidate per cohort).

What expenses are covered?

Olympic Solidarity covers all training and mentorship costs directly with the mentoring providers.

ATHLETE EDUCATION GRANT

Who is this programme for?

Priority is given to Olympians, but athletes who participated at the Youth Olympic Games or continental/international competitions may also be eligible.

What activities are covered?

The Athlete Education Grant is offered to individual athletes pursuing training and education in a field of their choice. The content, duration, location, cost and evaluation methods of the education projects are determined by the beneficiaries and NOCs in agreement with Olympic Solidarity.

Who can apply?

All NOCs.

What is the application procedure?

Athletes can express their interest in this programme to the NOC.
NOCs submit the application on RELAY, on behalf of the athlete(s).
The application must be validated/endorsed by the NOC Athletes’ Commission Chair. The process is explained in the application form.

What is the maximum amount of funding an NOC can apply for?

The maximum budget per NOC for the 2025-2028 period is USD 10,000 and may cover support for one or several athletes.

MASTER’S LEVEL STUDIES

Who is this programme for?

This option is available exclusively for Olympians.

What activities are covered?

This programme supports three types of learning opportunities:
1. Master’s in Sports Ethics and Integrity (MAiSI): A two-year scholarship offered to Olympians with a bachelor’s degree and English language certificate (Cambridge certificate of proficiency, IELTS score 6.5, TOEFL score 90 minimum) to complete a two-year master’s degree in sports ethics and integrity. More information can be found here: http://www.maisi-project.eu/
2. Short Course in Sports Ethics and Integrity (ACTSI): A one-month hybrid course (one week online and three weeks on site) for Olympians who want to know more about ethics and integrity policies and practices in sport.
3. Other master’s studies: Beneficiaries are chosen based on the requirements of the selected master’s programme and university criteria.

Who can apply?

All NOCs.